TEN BEST HOLIDAY COCKTAILS
A special seasonal cocktail or beverage is the ultimate festive detail. Keep in mind that many of these can be made without alcohol for children or nondrinking guests.
1. Pomegranate Martini
The cosmopolitan is so last year. Keep that festive red color, but add some healthy antitoxins from the pomegranate juice. Buy the juice in the produce section of the grocery store and garnish with a toothpick of gorgeous dried cranberries.
2. Cappuccino Eggnog
Nothing like a little caffeine to jump-start a tired recipe. Add coffee liqueur and a cup of fresh espresso coffee into your traditional recipe, and you have a delicious new twist on an old classic.
3. Champagne plus …
Champagne or sparkling wine alone is usually festive enough, but add a half ounce of Crème de Cassis or Chambord and a garnish of fresh berries and we’re talking elegance and style.
4. Snowball
Even if the weather outside isn’t frightful, this icy concoction of gin, anisette and cream will keep old man winter off your mind.
5. Candy Cane Martini
Destined to be a holiday classic, this vodka and peppermint schnapps mixture should be garnished with a small candy cane or rimmed with gorgeous crushed candy cane bits.
6. Complementary Wine
Good advice is good advice; choose wines to complement the food you’re serving. The perfect combination of food and wine enhances all of the flavors.
7. Poinsettia Margarita
This twist on the Mexican favorite is made with clear white tequila and clear sweet and sour mix. Rim with pink Hawaiian coral salt and garnish with a few pomegranate seeds, and you have a tradition in the making.
8. Hot Toddy
This delightful mix of brandy, tea and honey or sugar garnished with a cinnamon stick will warm up even the most ardent Scrooge.
9. Hot Chocolate
Whether it’s supermarket bought or made from scratch, this wintertime regular is loved by children of all ages. The bigger kids can always add some instant coffee, cinnamon and chocolate liqueur for the grown-up version.
10. Ice Cold Beer
An icy-cold pint glass filled with some golden lager or pale ale always goes well with any entertaining, no matter the party theme. Put the beer mugs into the freezer for a few minutes so they’re frosty.
A special seasonal cocktail or beverage is the ultimate festive detail. Keep in mind that many of these can be made without alcohol for children or nondrinking guests.
1. Pomegranate Martini
The cosmopolitan is so last year. Keep that festive red color, but add some healthy antitoxins from the pomegranate juice. Buy the juice in the produce section of the grocery store and garnish with a toothpick of gorgeous dried cranberries.
2. Cappuccino Eggnog
Nothing like a little caffeine to jump-start a tired recipe. Add coffee liqueur and a cup of fresh espresso coffee into your traditional recipe, and you have a delicious new twist on an old classic.
3. Champagne plus …
Champagne or sparkling wine alone is usually festive enough, but add a half ounce of Crème de Cassis or Chambord and a garnish of fresh berries and we’re talking elegance and style.
4. Snowball
Even if the weather outside isn’t frightful, this icy concoction of gin, anisette and cream will keep old man winter off your mind.
5. Candy Cane Martini
Destined to be a holiday classic, this vodka and peppermint schnapps mixture should be garnished with a small candy cane or rimmed with gorgeous crushed candy cane bits.
6. Complementary Wine
Good advice is good advice; choose wines to complement the food you’re serving. The perfect combination of food and wine enhances all of the flavors.
7. Poinsettia Margarita
This twist on the Mexican favorite is made with clear white tequila and clear sweet and sour mix. Rim with pink Hawaiian coral salt and garnish with a few pomegranate seeds, and you have a tradition in the making.
8. Hot Toddy
This delightful mix of brandy, tea and honey or sugar garnished with a cinnamon stick will warm up even the most ardent Scrooge.
9. Hot Chocolate
Whether it’s supermarket bought or made from scratch, this wintertime regular is loved by children of all ages. The bigger kids can always add some instant coffee, cinnamon and chocolate liqueur for the grown-up version.
10. Ice Cold Beer
An icy-cold pint glass filled with some golden lager or pale ale always goes well with any entertaining, no matter the party theme. Put the beer mugs into the freezer for a few minutes so they’re frosty.